No reasons given: Leiataua

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 21 November 2016, 12:00AM

The acting Police Commissioner, Leiataua Fata Aviga Salale claims no knowledge of the  reasons for the suspension of another Acting Commissioner, Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu. 

Leiataua said the decision was made by the Cabinet and so he is unable to comment.

“The reasons are not clear to me.” 

He said he met with the suspended Assistant Commissioner who is also unaware of the grounds for his suspension. 

Leiataua said he is not sure about the investigation against Samoa, because if there was an investigation, they, as Assistant Commissioners, should already know about it.

The Acting Commissioner also could not confirm whether the suspension of Samoa is in relation to an incident on Monday. 

Samoa’s suspension was confirmed after an emergency Cabinet meeting was called again on Tuesday afternoon. 

The acting Prime Minister, Tuitama Dr Talalelei Tuitama said the Assistant Commissioner’s suspension is based on some irregularities but he did not elaborate further. 

He also confirmed that there will be a proper investigation into the suspended Assistant Commissioner and they still haven’t decided when it will start because the Office of the Attorney General is still working on the logistics. 

In the past years, nothing like this had ever happened in the Ministry of Police, he said. 

Leitaua said there were some issues but they were nothing compared with what is happening now. 

“Previously, whoever the leader is should be respected and his instructions followed,” said Leiataua. 

He said it is a tradition within the Ministry of Police to respect and obey the Commissioner and there should be no conflict. 

Having served the Ministry for more than 30 years, he said team work is most important and working together to serve and protect our country. 

Despite the incident on Monday, Leiataua wanted to reassure members of the public that the Ministry of Police is now back to normal duties. 

He said there have been meetings with some divisions to discuss this matter and everything is being sorted. 

“We are having our staff meeting tomorrow just to get them back to the usual work.” 

The Acting Commissioner confirmed they have moved on from what happened on Monday and they also have learned from it. 

As for the Minister of Police, Sala Fata Pinati, Leiataua said the minister is supporting the ministry. 

“At the moment he is still surprised about what’s going on because he was overseas but he is well aware of the issues.” 

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 21 November 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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